Off Track-Temptation

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March 22
These weeks before Easter I am delving into Jesus details. In J. O. Sanders book, The Incomparable Christ, he writes about Jesus' tempting trials with the devil. "Satan endeavored to induce Jesus to act in a manner contrary to complete dependence on God, by asserting a measure of independence springing from self interest.
Don't we fight a similar battle the moment we wake up each day? If we were honest and had a graph displaying the percentage of time spent on issues of self interest vs the time spent on utter surrender to God and his game plan I know mine would not be balanced.
Last night conviction set in as I got in bed for some reflecting time with God on my day. The main purpose of my day had been about a paper plate and matching napkin hunt. How hollow.
The part which was most convicting, as I looked back, was that I had been in seven stores that day and I did not converse or connect with any other person in those stores. I couldn't tell you the name of one person at a register, nor the color of the eyes of another person. Never taking the time to notice others, I was totally in the devil's trap of self-interest and of no worth to the Lord and what He was up to yesterday.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.
Ephesians 6:10-11

PT
Lord, how blessed we are that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You for the blessing of being able to confess our short comings, receiving Your forgiveness and being able to be used by You once again. What a friend we have in Jesus! Clear our minds today of clutter and allow us to see clearly your plans and your purposes. Whether we are on the end of being encouragers and directing people to Your presence or needing encouragement and redirection ourselves, ready our spirits for the encounter. Quiet us in a way that we hear from You and rejoice simply because we are in relationship with You. Also, as You have instructed us, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem. In Jesus' Name, Amen

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; "May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels." Psalm 122: 6-7

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